Police Officer Candidates

An eligibility list of police officer candidates is established by the Village of Park Forest Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. The current list is valid through February 12, 2020, and we will begin testing for the next list in late 2019. Check back soon for testing dates and details.

The police hiring process for the Park Forest Police Department begins with an open call for police officer candidates. Minimum qualifications generally include a high school diploma or GED, between the ages of 21 and 34, and being able to pass a background check

Applicants who pass the P.O.W.E.R. test and attend the mandatory orientation then take a written test. The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners determines a cut-off score for the written test, and those who score above that score participate in oral interviews.

Oral interviews include a computer and writing proficiency exam and an interview before the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners.

Following completion of the oral interviews, the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners comprises an eligibility list. Applicants with qualifying military preference points may submit a request to have their military service counted after the initial eligibility list is presented.

Following the establishment of a final eligibility list which includes military preference points, candidates are considered in order as police officer vacancies arise. A vigorous background check is conducted, and candidates who pass the background check are given a contingent job offer, based on passing a psychological exam, physical exam, and, if attending the police academy, again passing the P.O.W.E.R. test.

The Park Forest Police Department currently utilizes the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy for training of police officer candidates.

Following successful completion of the police academy and achieving State of Illinois Peace Officer Certification, probationary police officers partake in an extensive Field Training process with certified Field Training Officers. Field Training takes approximately 14-16 weeks.